Sleep is Love

Choosing Love is Choosing Sleep

Did you know that sleep is love?

As part of the 90 Days of Love, I committed to getting 8 hours of sleep more consistently.  I honestly think that this alone has been a game changer.  As I mentioned in a previous blog, I have been getting comments about how I’m shining and glowing.  Step one to a “shiny glow” – SLEEP!

Prior to this challenge, I would frequently allow for 5 – 6 hours of sleep and wonder why I’m not myself.  I’m less able to deal with stress, can often then be “too tired” to exercise (double whammy!), and find myself snacking to stay awake.  Talk about a tailspin!  Sleep is so important!

Check out this article on sleep.  It notes a study on the link between snacking and sleep deprivation: “Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that people who are sleep deprived (sleeping about 5.5 hours per night) take in significantly more calories from snacking throughout the day than those who are well-rested (8.5 hours per night). And they aren’t jonesing for veggies: The sleepy snackers craved carbs and ate fewer proteins and fats, which help you feel full.”

Evidence is pretty clear.  Choosing love is giving myself 8 hours of power.  That means making some shifts:

1.  80/20 I choose tea: I’ve switched from lattes to tea about 80% of the time.  I’m not going deprive myself of my favorite treats, but I’ve found that the tea makes me feel better throughout the day and probably helps me rest better, too.

2.  No whining about no wine:  I set out to go dry for a while –  a couple months maybe more.  I got a little pouty around happy hour last Friday, but that came and went.  While some might say that alcohol helps them fall asleep, it doesn’t support a good night’s rest.  Studies like this one show that alcohol interferes with the restorative function of sleep.

3.  iBedtime is one hour before mine.  I’ve been trying to moderate my computer usage before bedtime.  I don’t always succeed, but I’ve heard that the “blue lights” in our iMacs, iPads, and iPhones (yes, I’m an Apple gal) stimulate our brains and keep us awake.  So put down bright lights, leave the work until tomorrow, and pick up a book at a decent hour.  Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you for it.  I know mine does!

Does sleep impact you like it does me?  I didn’t notice how much it affected me before I tried giving myself what I really needed.  I challenge you to give yourself what you need for a week, and let me know if you see a change!

♥ 90 Days of Love: 9/90 loving choices.
Little choices + time =  wholehearted change.

Photo credit: http://pinterest.com/pin/258253359851539584/

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